The chaste tree, also known as the Vitex tree, is a beautiful deciduous shrub or small tree known for its striking, cone-shaped clusters of lavender to violet flowers. Blooming from late spring to early fall, it attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. The tree features aromatic, palmate leaves and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, the chaste tree can grow up to 15-20 feet tall, making it a lovely addition to gardens and landscapes. #smithsgard

Vitex agnus castus, or chaste tree, is a Mediterranean shrub (feels more like a small tree to me) with an interesting history. In ancient Greece it was dedicated to Hera and Demeter and used in rituals that symbolized purity, renewal, and the cycles of life. The Latin name means chaste lamb, a reflection of its long connection to virtue and restraint. During the Middle Ages monks grew Vitex in monastery gardens and used the peppery seeds in their food, believing it helped them remain celibate, w